A Resource for Former Believers of William Branham

Oneness vs Trinity: A Video Debate

Oneness vs Trinity

This is a massive point of contention for people leaving the Message, and wrestling with issues of theology. The “Trinity” is a point of fear, given how William Branham painted the term “trinity” with strong rhetoric.

Devils travel in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
58-0928M – The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit
Rev. William Marrion Branham

“Father, Son, and Holy Ghost” is not Christian baptism. No Christian was ever baptized like that in the Bible or for hundreds of years after the Bible. It’s a Catholic creed and not a Christian doctrine. Show me in the Bible. It’s a—it’s a fraud. It’s the working of devils.
61-1112 – A True Sign That’s Overlooked
Rev. William Marrion Branham

William Branham insisted that he was not “Oneness” or “Modalist” and that his theology was found between Oneness and Trinitarian views. However, having been able to reflect on the issue without the pressure of aligning to whatever William Branham proclaims, I see it much differently (See: “Separating the Message from the Messenger“).

William Branham was confused – and often – about what he believed regarding the Godhead. He would use classic oneness/modalist arguments all the time – while denying he was modalist. He would often misrepresent the way Trinitarians viewed Godhead. Sadly, I adopted this same attitude – out of sheer ignorance and faith that I knew better.

This, in fact, is what I have come to see the about issue. Terminology and definitions pertaining to the nature of God are vastly limited. People will go around and around the issue, not listening and drawing deep, divisive lines over terminology and definitions. I think both sides are often wrong, not due to the substance of their arguments, but by their boneheaded, arrogant tone. I personally believe that most people, Message Believer or otherwise, are thoroughly incapable to aptly explain the nature of God – yet are willing to go to their last breath defending it.

Walter Martin & E Calvin Beisner Vs Nathanial Urshan & Robert Sabin

The following clip is a series of televised debate that occurred a long time ago between scholars on either side of the issue. It paints a very appropriate characterization of the opposing views. You will notice the challenge to work through terminology and the understanding behind it. I found the oneness position in the video to be very familiar to Message theology.

I actually listened to this while I was still believing the Message, and it was bothersome to my paradigm that people believing the Trinity were lesser and lacking. The speakers were well spoken, presented solid arguments – and did not speak about the “trinity” in a manner that I preconceived they would.

There are many segments which address issues like the plurality of God, Water Baptism and more. It’s long, but I think it’s very much worth taking time to listen. To help, I’ve flagged a couple starting points where particular topics may be of interest.

Addressing the Concept of Three in One:

Water Baptism:

Acknowledging Salvation / Brotherhood Between:(I LOVE this part of the video – so powerful)